LaLiga - Matchday 5 - 22/09/2016 22:00h

Valencia CF take first win of 2016/17 with late Parejo penalty against Alavés

September, 22 2016 -

Caretaker coach Voro gets win in first game in charge

Valencia CF opened their win account for 2016/17 with a 2-1 victory at Mestalla against Deportivo Alavés on Matchday 5 of the LaLiga season, as Dani Parejo converted a late penalty to hand his side the three points. The team had gone ahead through a Víctor Laguardia own goal in the first half, and after Gaizka Toquero levelled for Alavés just before the break VCF would have to wait until the 87th minute to go back in front.

The match was the first for Salvador 'Voro' González in his latest tenure as interim coach, and the players were well aware of the need to get points on the board after a tough start to the season. The first close chance for Valencia CF came courtesy of Rodrigo Moreno, who fired off a shot just wide off a solo move outside the box.

The opening goal of the game arrived just before the half hour, during a spell in which there was no dominant force in terms of possession or play; José Luis Gayà swung a cross into the area and the deflection off the head of Laguardia sent the ball into the net and VCF into the lead.

A tight period of play followed, in which neither side allowed an excess of space to their opposition. Unfortunately for Valencia CF, Alavés would get back on terms during this time, when Gaizka Toquero headed home from a corner in what was his side's first shot on goal.

Voro subbed off Rodrigo for Santi Mina at the beginning of the second half, as he looked to vary the Valencia CF attack. The home side were more ambitious, pressed higher and fought harder after the restart, and Álvaro Medrán nearly scored his second goal in five days with a shot just over the crossbar. Also coming close was Eliaquim Mangala, whose header hit the post to gasps from Mestalla.

Medrán was taken off to make way for Joao Cancelo on 66 minutes, and VCF made use of his attacking attributes and speed. Alavés withdrew, defending the draw, whilst Valencia CF pushed for victory. The pressure was upped a further notch with the introduction of Zakaria Bakkali -whose presence would prove to be vital soon after his introduction.

Following a save by Alavés goalkeeper Pacheco from a Mina shot, Bakkali made his way into the box and was felled by Marcos Llorente. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, Dani Parejo stepped up to take responsibility and held his nerve, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way as he hit the ball hard to the right. There was little time for an Alavés fightback, and Valencia CF took a vital first victory to the delight of the deserving home fans.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.